Lemongrass: The Grass That Smells Like Sunshine

Cymbopogon flexuosus. The grass that smells like sunshine.

Where it comes from

Lemongrass is a tall tropical grass native to India and Sri Lanka, where it's been used in cooking, tea and traditional medicine for centuries. It's the base of Thai tom yum, the "fever grass" of Caribbean folk remedies, and the plant that Indian farmers grow around their fields to keep insects off the crops. The oil is steam-distilled from the fresh grass, and India, Guatemala and China produce most of it. It's one of the more affordable essential oils, which is why it turns up in everything from candles to cleaning products.

What it does for skin

Lemongrass is naturally cleansing and toning, and it's long been used on oily and congested skin. In soap it gives the lather a brisk, clarifying feel and leaves skin feeling properly clean without the tightness you'd get from a detergent bar. It's the oil we reach for when someone wants a soap that feels like it's actually doing something.

How it smells

Bright, lemony and green, with a hint of something warm and grassy underneath. It's the top note of our Lemongrass & Ginger bar, backed up by lemon peel and may chang for a citrus hit that lasts.

Good to know

Lemongrass is a lively oil. We keep it at a level that's comfortable for daily use, but if you're very sensitive to citrus-type oils, start with a gentler bar.